About Us

FAQs for consumers

Why was the Consumer Recommends endorsement programme launched?

The endorsement programme was launched to recognise excellence and to promote the Consumer brand among all consumers. It endeavours to provide consumers with 'at a glance' information on products and services that have been awarded Consumer Recommends status and to publicly reward companies for achieving that status.

Further objectives are to promote Consumer NZ's research and enhance its credibility among competitors and consumers.

Many companies already refer to our research. However, the references are sometimes incorrect, out-of-date or without our permission. A licensing arrangement will allow us to more effectively control this.

How does this affect Consumer's independence?

Our independence is what sets us apart from other organisations. Our independence won't be compromised by the endorsement programme. We will still select the products for testing based on market research and we will continue to buy products from stores.

Our research* shows that over 75 percent of members and non-members feel that enabling the Consumer Recommends brandmark to appear on products is a great thing for Consumer NZ to do. Most members and non-members believe the endorsement programme will have a positive impact on Consumer's brand attributes especially 'helping you buy better'.

How will the income from the endorsement programme be used?

Income from the endorsement programme will be used to administer the programme and to allow Consumer NZ to broaden its range of testing and research.

*Synovate 2008, Online survey: 250 general public (aged 25 years plus), 100 pay-per-report purchasers, 100 consumer.org.nz members, 100 premium members, 100 Consumer magazine members.